Cost of Living in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Lafayette-West Lafayette? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $9,376 per year — combining federal taxes with Indiana's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,242/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Lafayette-West Lafayette metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $45,720, or roughly $3,810 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Lafayette-West Lafayette metro has a cost of living index of 71.0 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 29% below the national average, Lafayette-West Lafayette is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Lafayette-West Lafayette represents approximately 21% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings.